Far des Cap de ses Salines

Far des Cap de ses Salines is the lighthouse marking the southernmost point of Mallorca, technically located within the municipality of Santanyí rather than neighboring Ses Salines — a small administrative quirk that surprises even locals, since the cape shares its name with the other town.

How do you get to Cap de ses Salines?

The cape sits at the end of a road running out from the Ses Salines and Santanyí area, in the southeastern corner of Mallorca. The easiest way to reach it is by car or scooter — the road terminates at a small parking area, and from there it's a short, flat walk to the lighthouse itself. There is no significant tourist infrastructure here: no stalls, no large car parks, which is part of the appeal for visitors looking for a quieter corner of the island's south coast.

What will you see there?

The lighthouse was built in 1863, designed by engineer Emili Pou y Bonet. The land it stands on was donated by the Marquès del Palmer, who waived the compensation he was owed by the state. Its original catadioptric lens, 300 mm in diameter and producing a fixed light, was manufactured by the Parisian firm Henri Lepaute, one of the leading lighthouse equipment makers of the 19th century. In its early years the lighthouse was staffed by two keepers who reached the site by a small supply skiff.

The tower has gone through several rounds of modernization. An acetylene lighting system was introduced in 1917, and the lighthouse was connected to the electrical grid in 1957 — the same year its tower was raised by 6.5 metres to extend the range of its signal out to sea. In the 1980s it was fitted with photovoltaic panels, making it the first lighthouse in Spain to run on solar power.

Architecturally, it's a cylindrical tower with a double gallery and lantern room on top, painted white with yellow-brown trim. The surrounding landscape is classic dry southern Mallorca: low scrub, pale limestone rock sloping down to the sea, and, since this is the island's most southerly tip, an unusually wide, uninterrupted view across the open waters of the Balearic Sea.

When should you visit?

There's little shade or shelter from the wind out here, so early morning or late afternoon tends to be more comfortable than midday. The spot has a following among photographers for its sunsets, though given the cape's orientation, sunrise can be just as striking. Outside the peak summer heat, walking out to the lighthouse and along the surrounding rocks is considerably more pleasant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse? No — it remains an active navigational aid and isn't open to the public inside, though you can walk right up to the tower and view it from the outside.

Is there a beach near the lighthouse? The cape itself is rocky terrain rather than a sandy beach — it's a scenic and geographic landmark, not a swimming spot.

Do you need a car to get there? Yes. Public transport doesn't reach this part of the island, so driving, riding a scooter, or cycling is the practical way in.

What makes this lighthouse stand out among Mallorca's others? It was the first lighthouse in Spain powered by solar energy, and its position at the island's southernmost point gives it an unusually open, uninterrupted view of the sea.